Retired FIFA referee Janny Sikazwe’s final MTN Super League game as a referee will take place at Heroes stadium when NAPSA Stars entertain champions Red Arrows in a Week 18 fixture this afternoon.
Sikazwe’s career comes to a close this weekend after 23 years of officiating in which he has officiated at two FIFA World Cups, five Africa Cup of Nations, U17 and U20 FIFA World Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup among other tournaments.
The NAPSA Stars versus Red Arrows match will kick-off at 15h00 and will be live on SuperSport Channel 229 Variety 4 and GOtv. The early kick-off at Heroes will see bankers ZANACO hosting Chambishi.
The 42-year-old took charge of one match at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, Belgium’s 1-0 Group F win over Canada on 23rd November.
Sikazwe was one of the continent’s finest referees with a career of over 20 years experience.
He has taken charge of a CAF Champions League final, and African Cup of Nations final. The 42 year old has handled matches from the Zambian lower tiers to the FIFA World Cup.
Aged just 28 years old Sikazwe, a trained teacher became a FIFA referee.
From 2010, he continued to referee in both CAF Confederations Cup and Champions League. CAF also assigned him to take charge of African and World Cup qualifiers.
On the local scene, he has handled the ABSA Cup and as well Zambian Super League matches
Below is a timeline for the former St Paul’s High School (Kabwe) by the ZamFoot Crew
Timeline
2008 – He got his big break in 2008 at COSAFA Under-20 Challenge Cup in South Africa when he was called to replace another referee who had failed a fitness test
2010 – Handled his first CAF Confederations Cup match between Costa do Sol and Santos
2011 – Was in charge of one match at the CAF Under-20 African Youth Championship.
– Handled 2 matches in the CAF Confederations Cup
2012 – Refereed a group stage match at the 2012 AFCON
– Was in the middle of the pitch in World Cup, CAF Champions and Olympic qualifer
2014 – Was left out of the World Cup panel
2015 – refereed the 1st of the CAF Champions League between Orlando Pirates and Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia.
2016 – refereed at the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup Final in Japan between Real Madrid and Kashima Antlers
2017 – The Kapiri Mposhi born became the first Zambian to take charge of the Africa Cup of Nations final. Sikazwe refereed Cameroon’s 2-1 over Egypt.
“I am praying for the World Cup and I am sure I can make it,” Sikazwe said in 2017
2018 – June – First ever Zambian referee to take charge of a game at a World Cup, controlling the whistle in two World Cup 2018 group games – Belgium vs Panama and Japan vs Poland.
– November – CAF provisionally suspended Sikazwe following allegations of corruption during a CAF Champions League game between Esperance and Primiero Agosto
2019 – January – the suspension was lifted in January 2019 after a disciplinary hearing cleared him.
– October -Received President’s Insignia of Meritorious Achievement at the investiture ceremony at State House from former Zambian President H.E Edgar Lungu
2020 – Refereed at the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar
– took charge of the ABSA Cup final between Zesco United and Lusaka Dynamos
2021 – Sikazwe twice blew for full time too early in a Group F CAF 2021 African Cup of Nations between Mali and Tunisia, and had to be escorted by security.
2022 – Sikazwe took charge of one match at the World Cup, Belgium’s 1-0 Group F win over Canada
What an incredible career Janny Sikazwe has had! It’s amazing to see a referee like him make such a significant impact on African football. His journey and experiences are truly inspiring. Best of luck to him in his next chapter!
What an incredible journey Janny Sikazwe has had in officiating! His contributions to African football will surely be remembered, and it’s fitting to see him end on such a high note. Wishing him all the best in his future endeavors!
Great post! Janny Sikazwe’s impact on Zambian football has been immense, and it’s bittersweet to see him blow the whistle for the last time. His dedication and passion for the game will be missed. Looking forward to seeing how he influences the sport in the future!